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Updated: May 6, 2026
A 96 Well Microtiter Plate-based Method for Monitoring Formation and Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Candida albicans Biofilms
Published on: October 21, 2010
Repurposing statins as potential antifungal agents for Candida albicans: in-vitro and in-silico approach
Megha Patel1, Charmi Patil1, Bornika Kalapahad1
1Department of Biotechnology, Parul Institute of Technology, Parul University, Vadodara, India.
Aim:
Candida is a devastating fungal pathogen causing infection, exhibiting biofilm formation and leading to significant mortality and morbidity. This study aims to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of Atorvastatin against Candida albicans.
Methodology:
We compared the antifungal activity of two statins, Atorvastatin and Simvastatin, against C. albicans (MTCC 854) using well diffusion, broth dilution for method for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and non-inhibitory concentration (NIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), as well as growth kinetic assay. Furthermore, the anti-biofilm activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation assays were performed. Molecular docking studies were conducted with C. albicans target proteins to analyze binding interactions.
Results:
Atorvastatin demonstrated a larger zone of inhibition than amphotericin B (positive control) and a lower MIC (6.65 µg/ml), whereas Simvastatin was found to be less effective. Further, Atorvastatin showed better growth inhibitory and anti-biofilm activity in comparison to Simvastatin. ROS generation assay revealed an 18-fold increase in oxidative stress with Atorvastatin, while Simvastatin showed only a 4-fold increase. Molecular docking confirmed high binding affinity of Atorvastatin as compared with lovastatin and simvastatin to key virulence proteins of C. albicans, supporting its antifungal potential.
Conclusions:
Atorvastatin exhibits antifungal activity against C. albicans by targeting multiple proteins and can be used as a repurposed antifungal agent. The present study is aligned with SDG-3.
Insights
Atorvastatin shows significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans, inhibiting growth and biofilm formation. This repurposed drug increases oxidative stress and targets key fungal proteins, offering a potential new treatment for invasive candidiasis.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Candida species are significant fungal pathogens responsible for infections with high mortality rates.
- Biofilm formation by Candida contributes to treatment challenges and persistent infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antifungal efficacy of Atorvastatin against Candida albicans.
- To compare the activity of Atorvastatin with Simvastatin against Candida albicans.
Main Methods:
- Antifungal activity was assessed using well diffusion and broth dilution methods (MIC, NIC, MFC).
- Growth kinetics, anti-biofilm assays, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were analyzed.
- Molecular docking was performed against Candida albicans target proteins.
Main Results:
- Atorvastatin exhibited superior antifungal activity compared to Simvastatin, with a lower Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) than amphotericin B.
- Atorvastatin demonstrated significant growth inhibition and anti-biofilm effects, alongside an 18-fold increase in ROS generation.
- Molecular docking confirmed high binding affinity of Atorvastatin to key Candida albicans virulence proteins.
Conclusions:
- Atorvastatin possesses potent antifungal activity against Candida albicans through multi-protein targeting.
- Atorvastatin can be considered a potential repurposed antifungal agent for treating Candida infections.
- This research aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
